A PARENTS’ group that helped bring a foreign language alive for pupils hopes to fund something equally rewarding this year.

The ASSIST (Avenue School Social Initiative Supporting Together) parents’ association helps support Avenue Primary School in whatever way it can.

The group’s primary focus is fundraising, although it also aims to organise events and initiatives that will enrich and enhance pupil education.

Last year, as part of the Gazette’s Wish campaign, the group helped collect more than 34,000 tokens. Jayne Bennison, ASSIST member, said: “We used the £170 that the tokens converted into to help purchase a French software teaching scheme that cost over £200.”

Formed in 2007, the group has 20 members. “We organise fun events, both fundraising and non-fundraising, for the pupils and their families to meet together and promote the school’s community spirit,” added Jayne.

The Evening Gazette has joined forces with Tees Valley Community Foundation to give away £30,000 to community groups. Every group registered on our Wish List is guaranteed a share of the money. The size of each group’s share will depend on the support they receive from readers. Tokens will be printed daily in the Gazette from October 1. The £30,000 cash pot will be divided by the number of tokens collected – the bigger the share of tokens, the bigger the slice of cash.